| |
| author |
Shelby Swensen
| | title |
The Effects of Rhizobia Bacteria on Soil Nutrient Levels and Plant Productivity in Pisum sativum (Dwarf Snap Peas) and Trifolium repens (White Clover) : A Thesis of Environmental Science
| | abstract |
As the world is shifting towards green agriculture, the need for research in sustainable
farming practices is increasing. One of the many important aspects to sustainable agriculture is the
use of biofertilizers as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. In order to understand the effectiveness
of biofertilizers, I wanted to investigate the difference that the biofertilizer rhizobium has on two
different legume species. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Bradyrhizobium
vigna and Rhizobium leguminosarum strains viciae, phaseoli (a mixture of rhizobia species and
strains) on plant productivity when applied to Pisum sativum (dwarf sugar snap peas) and Trifolium
repens (white clover). This project was performed as a potted greenhouse experiment using soil
from the organic urban farm Grow It Green Morristown and sourcing water from rain barrels to
simulate a replicable environment utilizing sustainable practices. I analyzed the data for
differences in plant height, root length, biomass, nodule formation, and total nitrogen content, as
well as the nitrate-nitrogen content in the soil after the experiment. Many limitations and
challenges arose throughout the experiment that may have influenced the data, which showed no
significant differences in any of my parameters between treated and not treated groups. These
results highlight the incredibly complex relationships that rhizobia bacteria hold with their
symbiotic partners as well as with the environment. This research aims to expand our
understanding of biofertilizer dynamics so that effective and proper implementation of them can
be achievable in the greater agricultural landscape.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.S. (2024)
|
| advisor |
Shagufta Gaffar
|
| full text | SSwensen.pdf |
| |
